What does a Babysitter do?
A Babysitter ensures safety, provides care to children in their home or the family’s home and are part-time, full-time or minders of children after school. They cook meals and feed the children based on the parents’ instructions, adhere to sleep schedules and take care of hygiene needs. They interact with children, play games, provide entertainment and outdoor activities. They oversee homework, offer snacks, supervise television watching, video games and internet use. Babysitters organise and clean around the house, keep telephone numbers for emergencies and may run errands. They document any incidents that take place.
Babysitter skills and qualifications
Babysitters have a service-minded attitude and are also kind, compassionate and happy people. A successful Babysitter candidate will have various prerequisite skills, that include:
- Ability to continually observe, ignore distractions, immediately recognise needs and problems and maintain a good temperament without getting angry
- In-depth knowledge of childcare, practical childcare skills and childhood education, up to date on vaccinations
- Leadership skills, self-reliance, professionalism and physically fitness
- Creativity, invent games, activities, able to provide motivation and encouragement
- Patience, empathy and nurture
- Communications, relationship building and problem-solving
- Time management, scheduling, adhere to the rules and instructions
- Behaviour management strategies, ability to deal with tantrums, provide conflict resolution and use consistent discipline
Babysitter experience requirements
A Babysitter is required to have at least three references, a DBS qualification and paediatric first aid, CPR and AED certifications. They must have experience in caring for sick children and may need experience with children with special needs, anaphylaxis training, experience administering EpiPens and administering medications. Sign language may be required as well. A full UK driver’s licence, clean driving record, reliable transportation and possibly defensive driving experience is also required. The applicant should know local, safe outdoor places for children to play and walk in. Pet care may also be required. Knowledge of child psychology, pedagogy and child development is helpful.
Babysitter education and training requirements
A Babysitter must be 18 or older with four years of experience in babysitting. Training in nursery or preschool, a primary school teacher, or early childhood education is preferred. Proof of infant care class certificate and a basic babysitting course or training may be required. Some situations require water safety training and positive discipline training. Registration with Ofsted is mandatory for those Babysitters who babysit in their own homes. Sitters in their own homes or at day care centres, need their own insurance policies and appropriate business licences.
Babysitter salary expectation
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Babysitter is £11.73 per hour. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and employment type.
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